American Impressionism and Realism

This is a never-to-be-repeated opportunity to see up-close treasures usually housed in the Metropolitan – a museum which receives more than five million visitors every year – right here in Queensland.

Growing the reputation of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art for their ability to secure ‘blockbuster’ exhibitions for Queensland, American Impressionism & Realism promises to be a memorable experience for both connoisseurs of and new-comers to the period (early 1800’s – early 1900’s).

American Impressionism & Realism will present an outstanding opportunity to view 71 paintings by 34 well-known and less-familiar artists that have never before been displayed together and are not likely to be lent again as a group. It is the first co-operative venture between the Metropolitan, the Queensland Art Gallery and Art Exhibitions Australia – but indications are it will not be the last.

Leading artists including Impressionists John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and William Merritt Chase, and Realists John Sloan and William Glackens will each be represented in the exhibition by several examples of their work, reflecting their responses to a period of great social development.

Adding to the unique nature of this exhibition, a selection of important paintings by Australian artists from the period 1880-1929 will also be displayed, providing points of discussion and comparison.

Art-lovers will have a unique opportunity to study the influence of Whistler and Sargent on Australian artists Tom Roberts and Hugh Ramsay, along with examples of work by artists such as Charles Conder, John Russell, Ethel Carrick-Fox and Rupert Bunny.

The exhibition’s key works include light-filled landscapes and seascapes, magnificent portraiture and images that reflect aspects of modern life in the day – leisure, cities, and intimate depictions of women and children.